The Ocala Fiber Network will implement a series of drastic changes to expand its network to more residents across the city based on recommendations from a consultant hired for $100,000, with the foremost of those changes being a freeze in residential rate increases.
An updated on the Ocala Fiber Network’s strategic plan was presented to the Ocala City Council during its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 17.
In late October, the council participated in a workshop led by Uptown Services, the consultancy group hired by the city to advise OFN on tactical and strategic recommendations.
According to Ocala Chief Financial Officer Janice Mitchell, OFN is freezing future residential rate increases, adding a $15 router lease fee, implementing a “$0” installation policy in neighborhoods with existing infrastructure, and “evaluating software systems to provide operations and customer support.”
Mitchell says OFN would like to offer free installation on all new residential connections after the expansion plan is established.
“So it can’t be tomorrow, but as the plan gets going,” said Mitchell, who said the city would need to look at “bond financing” to support the expansion.
Mitchell wrapped her comments by requesting individual meetings with the members of the council to go over the extensive expansion plans in greater detail.
She said that OFN would like to review all of the options with council members before any final recommendations are made.
In May, city officials agreed to spend $300,000 on fiber optic cables and materials.
In April, city officials entered into a contract for consulting services with Uptown Services, LLC, which is based in Colorado. That group was contracted to review the Ocala Fiber Network business plan strategies and “assess growth and viability in residential and commercial development.”
In addition to evaluating the business plan, Uptown Services was asked to “review current and proposed consumer service offerings and compare pricing structures against those of major internet service providers.”
The moves come in response to the stagnancy in the growth of OFN’s residential offering. According to its website, fiber is currently available in Happiness Homes, Windstream, Ocala Highlands, Bellechase, Silver Hammock, and Hunters Ridge.
In 2021, the service area reported by Ocala-News.com was identical.
Over the past few years, despite the lack of growth, Ocala residents have shared their desire to see fiber offered in their areas.
A series of “future requests for residential internet services” from residents in the community shows residents across the city would purchase the service if available.
During the meeting, Mitchell indicated that OFN will also stay in contact with the community and provide updates on service expansion online with more frequency.
